setting the timing

[Mowbasher]

I recently replaced the connecting rod in a briggs and stratton. Upon putting it back together, I noticed when lining up the timing marks, that the piston isn't TDC. Is that right on these small engines? Or am I missing something?

 

[susho]

I recently replaced the connecting rod in a briggs and stratton. Upon putting it back together, I noticed when lining up the timing marks, that the piston isn't TDC. Is that right on these small engines? Or am I missing something?

I just did a B and S 10a902 5 hp I think. The mark on the cam wheel is an inverted v shaped notch out on the edge of the plastic gear. The drive gear which is positioned on the crank has a dot stamped into it. They line up when the piston is on the upswing and the rod big end is at about 9:00. About a half stroke from TDC. I just lined up the marks and then turned the crank shaft by hand to observe the valves and piston movement to make sure it was correct and it was.